7 Taupo Must Do's

Here are some things you can do around Taupo if the weather is not playing ball on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand's North Island ski holiday destination.

Visit Huka Falls

This thundering 11-metre high waterfall is the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand. The sheer volume of water flowing over Huka Falls amounts to 220,000 litres per second - enough to fill one Olympic sized swimming pool in 11 seconds!

If you want a different perspective and a taste of Taupo adventure take a boat to the base of the falls and get close enough to taste the spray!

Soak in a Hot Pool

Both paid and free, Great Lake Taupo is a volcanic and geothermal wonderland! Taupo is blessed with several natural, geothermally heated hot pools perfect for a soak at the end of a long day. Find out more on our hot pools page.

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo have been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the carvings have become one of the North Island of New Zealand's biggest tourist attractions. View the Maori Rock Carvings yourself by taking a relaxing scenic cruise across the lake or get up close and personal on a kayaking tour.

Aratiatia Rapids

Watch a sleepy gully fill up to become a raging river in just minutes! The Aratiatia Rapids are formed when the dam gates of the Waikato River are opened. During winter this happens three times a day at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. This a true family favourite - never fails to delight kids, parents and grandparents!

Boutique Shopping

Taupo is a boutique shoppers dream! New Zealand and international designer fashion labels, beautiful homeware and quirky arts and crafts feature in gorgeous stores throughout Taupo town centre. There are plenty of covetable items that will have your friends asking 'Where did you get that?'.

Take a Bike Ride

The Great Lake Taupo region has some of the best mountain biking in New Zealand, with internationally recognised, purpose-built trails to suit every type of rider. Taupo's free draining pumice soil means the riding conditions are excellent all year round, making the region a popular hub for all types of riding.

Adrenalin Activities

Whatever gets your heart pumping we have it in Taupo! Taupo is sometimes known as the adventure capital of New Zealand's North Island. We’ve got fast-paced jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving, white water rafting, parasailing, high ropes and even car racing.